Post Regatta Rock

We celebrated Sri Aman's second placing during the Regatta Khas DiRaja inter Division. Sri Aman got second placing for the special royal race. The party was held at Hoover Hotel Sri Aman where we party all nite long.

Time Out

Maxmillan sings 'Patah Ke Lidi' song during a get together session in Sri Aman. It is seen that TV karaokes are not a norm in Sri Aman. One has to memorise the lyrics and sing to the live band. Karaokes are for the less skilled singers here. Luckily I left the place quickly coz i don't do Karaokes or Live band. I am more of a pro at snoring in my sleep.

At An Accident scene

A Proton Wira driven by a SALCRA staff was struck by a bus BARAM in front of SK Semukoi near Balai Ringin this morning. The Proton driver died on the spot. It was said that the bus driver escaped with a slight injury. The bus was heading towards Serian while the Proton Wira was headed towards Balai Ringin. It was a head on collision.

Celebrating Gawai

The Gawai Celebration in Sarawak kicks off with various traditional ceremonies. I am propelled to look for some glimpse of Internet Connection to publish the 'Sandau Ari' Ceremony which is part of Gawai. This involves the offerings to the spirits with some sacrificial practices of a pig and chicken. Also it involves the inspection of the slaughtered pig's heart.

Sending Gawai Greetings

View from my Longhouse...its lovely to share if there is Internet and Communication connectivity. There is but at a small town of Song which is 20 minutes away from my longhouse. The signal is strong enough to reach the Internet Zone but with some effort. I have to go the distance to be able to access Internet.

Doing Aerobics

During the official meeting in Limbang for GLCs, Statutory Bodies and Local Authorities, an aerobics session was organised by the Limbang Residen Office at the Limbang Waterfront. Those at the exercise known as Senamrobik dan Senaman Kenyalang included YB Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, YBhg Datin Theresa Toyat and most Head of Departments and senior government officials.

Meeting Song Lady

The Sarawak Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Ministry coordinated its Sarawak TTG Meeting today. I manage to meet Ms Diana Corazon Blikau and Mr. Akoi who are working hard to make the meeting a success. Congrats to our lady who hails from Song who is new the Ministry. Congrats also to Mr. Akoi also for his transfer to Betong.

Attending TTG Meeting

The State Level Tourism Task Group is meeting to prepare for the 10th Malaysian Plan. The meeting was chaired by the YB Minister for Tourism Datuk Michael Manyin. Also present at the meeting was the YBhg Datu Ose Murang,the Ministry's new Permanent Secretary.

YB Malcom Speaks

YB Encik Malcom Mussen for N.29 Batang Ai gave his maiden message in the Dewan Undangan Negeri today.

Visiting Rice Mill

The Sri Aman DDC members were briefed on the various machineries and equipment at the Bundong Sian rice mill. We were given the insight on what makes the mill tick.

Listening to Briefing

The Sri Aman Divisional Development Committee is being briefed by the Ladang Berdikari management on the commercial padi planting project at Bundong Sian.

Changing Boats

We changed boa halfway in Bintangor in the middle of the river. A faster speedboat was provided by the DID.

Getting Sunburn

The trip to Bundong Sian was under the hot sun and i took the opportunity to get some sun tan. Its pretty hot here.

Reaching Tulai

One of the places we visited was Tulai Bintangor. Though it was a hot and sunny day we enjoyed the experience. Our next trip now will be Bundong Sian, also in Bintangor area. This trip requires another 25 minutes if boat ride.

On Travelling Duty

From my Proton Saga, to a land cruiser and then a boat to the Bundong Sian and Tulai Padi fields in Bintangor, i am off for an adventure in the course of my travelling duty. Tiring yet exciting we go a boat ride in the hot sun.

At a Fashion Show

The Spring Spring and Summer Fashion Show was held at tHe Spring this evening. Wow! Models for the tired eyes is just the right tonic!

Dining @ Kenny Rogers

Treated Shania and the mum to dinner at Kenny Rogers, Boulevard, Kuching. Shania did wellin her exam so it was a treat, especially the ice cream.

Becomes Uncle Again

My cousin Audrey George Gawing gave birth to a baby girl Evana yesterday. Welcome to the world! Always great to have a new addition in the family.

Watching Ratu Contest

The Ratu Ikan Tapah was crowned at the end of the Pesta Ikan Tapah Pentas Rakyat do. Cik Felicia from Telagus Simunjan was crowned by YB Datuk Francis Harden Ak Hollis. She was competing against 11 other contestants.

Rocking With YB

YB Encik Snowdon Lawan surprised the Pantu folks with his guitar skills as he played lead guitar with a rock band. Well done YB, Pantu's development will rock on with your development initiatives.

Enjoying VIP Song

The audience at the Pesta Ikan Tapah in Pantu were entertained by YB Encik Snowdon Lawan who rendered Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" song. To add to the surprise he also played the electric guitar.

With VIP Guests

VIP guests at the launching of the Pesta Ikan Tapah at Pantu include(from left) YB Tuan Masir Kujat, YB Datuk Francis Hollis Ak Harden and YB Encik Snowdon Lawan.

Enjoying Beauty Contest

Mesmerised by Beauties who are participating in the Pesta Ikan Tapah Beauty Contest or Ratu Pesta Ikan Tapah. The ladies wore traditional costume from the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu community.

Listening to Speech

YB Datuk Francis Harden Ak Hollis officiated the Pesta Ikan Tapah in Pantu this evening. The YB who is also Assistant Minister of Land Development stressed on the need to ensure the success of organising the Pesta in the future.

Watchin Sukan Rakyat

Part of the Pesta Ikan Tapah activity includes Sukan Rakyat or Community Sports which include Mini sports in the river, Tug of War using boats, fishing and many more.

At Pesta Ikan Tapah

Pesta Ikan Tapah is going to beheld atthe small town of Pantu from 24th to 26th April 2009. Several activities are beng lined up to make sure that the pesta will benefit he townfolks. More pictures coming later.

Attending CM Function

Today is the Majlis Anugerah Kualiti Ketua Menteri Sarawak 2008. The event is to give recognition to Government Agencies in the Federal and State level who have achieved excellence in Quality efforts in 2008.

At the Pool

This time not the kiddies pool but Biggies pool. Teaching my daughter how to swim in the big swimming pool and telling she is not a little girl anymore.

Enjoying Sunset

The sunset at Damai Beach was so lovely that i have to see it again next time. There will definitely be a second trip! I only managed to get a glimpse of it as the sn sank into the horizon.

At the Pool

Shania is enjoying herself at the kid's swimming pool at Damai Beach Resort. I wtch by the pool like a lifeguard. The pool looks inviting but i have to watch only as it is a kiddies pool.

At Damai Beach

The weekend means some time to spend with the family. I brought them to Damai Beach Resort to enjoy the scenery and take time off from my usual busy schedule.

Admiring Exora

Currently witnessing the launching of Proton Exora at Proton Showroom Sri Aman. So tempting but getting it means suffering for the next few years.

Out with Friends

Last week's tour of duty in LA requires me to standardise my party senses at a Party place in Kuching and not the Political parties. Having a drink with the boys.

Hoping For Good Cabinet

Crossing my finger that Sarawak will be recognised as an equal partner in the new Prime Minister's Cabinet. Sarawakians would not want less.

Attending Lecture

While attendng the Deputy Residents and District Officers Meeting in Kuching, my little Shania joined one of the briefings at UNIMAS. Just want her to get the feel of Uni life.

Attendind Meeting

The Deputy Residents and District Officers' meeting is being held at Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan today. The meeting is chaired by the State Secretary, YB Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot.

Witnessing Election

The N.29 Batang Air By Election takes off as the clock struck 8 am. The weather was fine and many of the people have casted their votes. In Sebangki Polling District as off 11 am 60 percent of eligible voters have casted their votes.

Watching Police Drill

Currently the Police Air Wing and the Police Special Unit are conducting a Security Drill at Dewan Lubok Antu. This is part of the security measures for the upcoming By Election.

Inspecting Ballot Box

The ballot boxes for all the KTM or Presiding Officers Team are ready for pickup. Some have picked it up especially those going to the rural areas.

Attending CM function

YAB Chief Minister is officiating the ground breaking ceremony for the Pusat GiatMara Lubok Antu new site. The event is being held at the Dewan Sukan Lubok Antu. There was a large crowd of 1000 and more to welcome the Chief Minister.

Waiting for VIP

There is an ongoing function at Dewan Sukan Lubok Antu and we are waiting for the arrival of the VIPs.

Meeting MAFREL

The MAFREL team led by Mr. Peter John met up with Mr. Nelson Mujah, the Returning Officer for N.29 Batang Ai to gather some information. I was able to witness the ongoing polling by postal voters especially for those who will be on duty during the N.29 Batang Ai By Election.

Enjoying Dinner!

Though the sea is almost 40 km away from Sri Aman, we still can enjoy Seafood at Ellison Seafood. The place has two televisions so one catch up with the latest news. Good hangout place too as it has a large open space.

Airborne Again

In carrying out another official duty, i had the opportunity to fly in the new Eurocopter again. We past Sri Aman town as the heli enroutes to Lubok Antu.

Attending DOSH Function

Attending official funtions in the afternoons after a hearty lunch is always challenging. How do you stay attentive? I am fortunate to be sitting next to YB Datuk Gramong Juna as he was quite friendly and all smiles. He also delivered the speech in Iban, something that our Federal Office counterparts will be learning about. They were sporting enough and managed to try to pick up a few words in the speech. Cheers.

Travelling to LA

While heading for Lubok Antu, we passed by a heavy duty road block at the Sri Aman Temudok junction. It is again encouraging to note that security is considered the utmost importance during this By Election.

being Audited

The Quality team from the Chief Minister's Team are currently auditing our office. I don't really know what they are looking for but i am not sure if i am ready either.

Bypassing Serian

Enroute to Sri Aman i pass by Serian Town and managed to get a picture of the durian icon at the roundabout.

At N.29 Batang Ai

The recently completed N. 29 Polling process is set to see two parties contesting to win the constituency. They are BN's Mr. Malcom Mussen Lamoh versus PKR's Mr. jawah Gerang. The sole Independent candidate Mr. Johnny Chuat pulled out in the last minute to give support to PKR. The nomination process went smoothly and credit goes to everyone there as there was no untoward incident. The Returning Officer Mr. nelson Mujah Girie made the announcement after recieving the nomination forms after the protest period was over.

Reaching Nomination Center

On reachng the nomination centre at Dewan Sukan Lubok Antu, i manage to see the various political parties and also the independent candidate, Mr. Johnny Chuat. He wa being interviewed by reporters.